RECTOR OF ROTHERFIELD GREYS, LATE FELLOW AND TUTOR OF TRINITY COLLEGE, OXFORD. SEELEY, JACKSON, & HALLIDAY, FLEET STREET, INTRODUCTION. THE Metamorphoses of Ovid, composed (probably for recitation) about the same time as the Fasti just before his banishment in 8 A.D., contain a series of such Greek and Latin legends as involve processes of transformation, extending from the creation of the world to the change of Julius Caesar into a star. The outline and materials of the poem were perhaps derived from the 'Eтepolovμeva of Nicander [B.C. 185—135], and a similar work by Parthenius, the Greek preceptor of Virgil; but the grouping and treatment, the style, sentiment, and versification of the Metamorphoses are eminently characteristic of Ovid's genius. The work never received the final touch of its author, who, like Virgil, would fain have burnt his masterpiece, rather than let it descend to posterity incomplete and unrevised. Of the following specimens the first traces the Metamorphosis, or deterioration, of the Ages from the Golden to the Iron. The second is part of a tale describing the petrefaction of a branch through contact with Medusa's head, laid on it by Perseus when rescuing Andromeda. The third is a Tragedy of Errors arising from misapprehensions, rather than alterations, of forms. The fourth represents the transformation of a statue into a living body. The fifth and sixth narrate the circumstances which led to the suicide of Ajax and the conversion of his blood into a flower; while the seventh exhibits the philosophy of transformation in general, as embodied in the doctrines, precepts, and experiences of Pythagoras. P. OVIDIUS NASO. METAMORPHOSES. 1.-The Four Ages. THE Golden Age came first, dispensing in its innocence with law, punishment, and tribunals (1-6). No ships or voyages were made (6-9). No sieges, implements of war, nor soldiers were required to maintain peace (9-13). Earth untilled gave her increase, and her children lived contented on wild fruits at first, presently on the corn and wine, milk, and honey yielded by the soil beneath the balmy atmosphere of perpetual spring (13-25). Next came the Silver Age and the rule of Jove, displacing Saturn (25-28). He curtailed the spring, and portioned out the four seasons of the year (28-33). Hence the need of houses, mere natural caves at first, or osier huts; then, too, began the tilling of the fields and the labour of the steers (33-37). The third was the Brazen Age, passionate and prone to war, but yet free from crime (37-39). With the fourth, the Iron Age, began the reign of wickedness; Violence, Fraud, and Avarice drove out before them Truth, Honour, and Self-restraint (39-44). Navigation is attempted by unpractised mariners (44-47). Next followed the division of common land and the digging of earth's hid treasures, iron and gold (47--54). With these appeared war and rapine, mutual hatred, and insecurity (54-58). Husband and wife plot each other's destruction; step-dames poison their husbands' children; the son calculates the hour of his father's death (58-61). Piety is crushed, and Astraea, the only Immortal left, quits earth at last (61-63). Aurea prima sata est aetas, quae vindice nullo sponte sua, sine lege fidem rectumque colebat. poena metusque aberant, nec verba minacia fixo aere legebantur, nec supplex turba timebat udicis ora sui, sed erant sine judice tuti. 5 |